Medieval Medicine

Hippocrates

A Greek doctor who created the Theory of the Four Humours in the 5th Century BCE.

Galen

A Greek doctor who worked in Rome in the 2nd Century CE and expanded on Hippocrates' ideas.

Theory of the Four Humours

A medical theory proposing that the body consists of four liquids: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile.

Blood (humour)

One of the four humours; an excess could lead to fevers or nosebleeds.

Phlegm (humour)

A watery humour associated with cold and wet qualities; too much can cause coughing and runny nose.

Black bile (humour)

A humour likely referring to clotted blood; an excess is thought to cause depression.

Yellow bile (humour)

A humour that can cause vomiting or diarrhea when in excess.

Imbalance of humours

An excess or deficiency of one humour that results in illness.

Theory of Opposites

Galen's theory suggesting that to correct an imbalance, one should apply opposing qualities.

Church's influence on medicine

The Church had a monopoly over medical ideas and suppressed new concepts that contradicted its beliefs.

Control over libraries

The Church controlled which medical texts were reproduced, limiting access to alternative ideas.

Attitude towards new ideas

The Church discouraged and suppressed medical theories that contradicted established beliefs.

Dissection prohibition

The Church's stance against dissection hindered the understanding of human anatomy.

Explanations of disease

The Church attributed illnesses to sin, discouraging the pursuit of natural causes.

Pilgrimages

Religious journeys that contributed to the spread of disease during the medieval period.

Barber-surgeons

Practitioners who combined barbering with surgical procedures, often lacking formal medical training.

Apothecaries

Medieval pharmacists who prepared and dispensed medicinal herbs and drugs.

Carers in the home

Women who provided healthcare within households using traditional remedies and folk medicine.

Physicians

Experts recognized for their medical education and knowledge of ancient medical texts.

Humoral-Based Therapies

Treatments aimed at restoring the balance of humours.

Herbal Remedies

Concoctions prepared by apothecaries, believed to possess healing properties for various ailments.

Surgery

Procedures performed by barber-surgeons, often risky due to lack of anaesthesia and sterile techniques.

Spiritual Healing

Religious practices such as prayer and pilgrimages sought as remedies for illnesses.

Superstitions and Folk Remedies

Traditional beliefs and practices, such as the use of charms, reflecting a belief in supernatural influences on health.

Medieval Hospitals

Institutions providing shelter and care, mostly funded by religious organizations, rather than advanced medical treatment.

Miasma theory

The belief that diseases were caused by 'bad air' or foul odours from decaying matter.

The Black Death

A devastating 14th-century bubonic plague pandemic that caused widespread death in Europe.

Handling the Plague

People's reliance on superstitious measures and ineffective treatments during the Black Death.

Treatment Attempts during the plague

Methods like bloodletting and prayer that were common, often worsened patients' conditions.

Prevention Efforts during the plague

Ineffective strategies based on miasma theory and avoidance of contact with infected people.

Impact of the Black Death

A profound effect on Medieval England, causing social disruption and economic hardship.

Basic care in Hospitals

Medieval hospitals focused on providing food, spiritual comfort, and basic care rather than advanced medical treatment.

Role of the Church in hospitals

The Church emphasized spiritual healing, often overshadowing the need for medical care.

Ancient texts influence

Medieval medicine was heavily informed by the works of Hippocrates and Galen.

Charity and compassion in hospitals

Medieval hospitals were often established based on Christian principles, prioritizing care for the needy.

Medical Knowledge Limitations

Limited understanding of anatomy and diseases in medieval times due to reliance on ancient texts.

Care for the poor and sick

Medieval hospitals primarily focused on supporting the most vulnerable individuals in society.

Monks' role in medicine

Monks copied medical texts by hand, influencing the dissemination of medical knowledge.

Religious doctrine impact

The emphasis on religious teachings over practical experience in medical education design.

Patients’ admission in hospitals

Based on their needs and the availability of resources in medieval hospitals.

Traditional knowledge reliance

Medical practices during this period were largely based on ancient texts and traditional beliefs.

Social support in hospitals

Medieval hospitals provided essential community support to individuals in need.

Pilgrimages and disease spread

The congregation of pilgrims led to outbreaks of contagious diseases.